If you’re living with chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to help reduce pain and increase your quality of life. From changing your diet to practicing meditation, here are 7 ways to help reduce pain.

1. Change Your Diet

What you eat can have a big impact on inflammation and pain levels. Try incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.

2. Get Regular Exercise

It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise is actually one of the best things you can do for chronic pain. Exercise releases endorphins – chemicals that block pain signals from the brain – which can help reduce pain levels. Plus, regular exercise helps increase flexibility and strength, which can in turn help reduce the risk of injury. Start slow and gradually increase your activity level as tolerated.

3. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and letting go of thoughts about the past or future. It’s been shown to be an effective way to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for people with chronic pain conditions. To get started, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and focus on your breath. Once you’ve settled into a rhythm, start noticing the sensations in your body without judging them as good or bad. Mindfulness meditation takes practice, but it can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain.

4. Use Topical Pain Relievers

Topical pain relievers are applied directly to the skin and work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. They’re a safe and effective option for treating both acute and chronic pain and are available over the counter or by prescription. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and only use them as directed. Some common topical pain relievers include lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream, menthol gel, and turmeric ointment.

5. Try Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is another alternative treatment that can be used to help reduce pain levels. Certain essential oils have analgesic properties that can help relieve both acute and chronic pain. For example, studies have shown that lavender oil may help decrease tension headaches while peppermint oil may help relieve muscle aches and pains caused by exercise. You can purchase essential oils online or at most health food stores.

6. Try CBG

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBG does not produce a “high” and is instead known for its potential therapeutic benefits. Some studies have shown that CBG may help reduce inflammation and pain, making it a promising option for treating chronic pain conditions. If you are interested, you may want to get yourself CBG Isolate.

7. Get Enough Sleep

When you’re in pain, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. But getting enough sleep is crucial for managing chronic pain. Lack of sleep can worsen pain levels and make it more difficult to cope with the pain during the day. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and create a bedtime routine that will help you relax and fall asleep more easily.